Homecoming 2023 Is THIS Sunday, October 15

We are thrilled to announce a very special Homecoming celebration as we honor Dr. Bob Holquist for his remarkable 40 years of dedicated service as our Minister of Music. This momentous occasion calls for a grand reunion, and we are calling all FBC Choir alumni to join us in this joyous event.

On Homecoming Sunday, we will gather on October 15 in worship to celebrate Dr. Holquist's incredible contributions to our church and community. Prepare your vocal cords, as all former FBC Choir members are invited to return and raise their voices during the 10:30 AM worship service. Let us fill the sanctuary with the harmonious sounds of praise and gratitude!

In addition to the exciting reunion of our FBC Choir, we are honored to welcome former FBC pastor, Rev. Ed Beddingfield to fill our pulpit. Presently serving as the pastor of Memorial Baptist Church in Buies Creek, NC, Rev. Beddingfield will grace our service with his leadership. 

After the worship service, we will continue the festivities with a feast for the ages in the Mission and Fellowship Center. It will be a time of fellowship, laughter, and reunion. This is an opportunity not to be missed as we commemorate Dr. Holquist's extraordinary tenure and the impact he has made on our church family.

Please help us spread the word about Homecoming 2023. In particular, share this announcement with any FBC Choir alumni or former members of our congregation who may not be aware of this special Homecoming celebration. Let's come together to make this day truly spectacular!

Save the date, mark your calendars, and join us on October 15 for a day filled with reunion, celebration, and gratitude. We look forward to seeing you there!

Ham and Cheese Pull-Apart Biscuits

Ingredients
1 can refrigerator Grand Flaky Biscuits
1/2 cup diced ham (2 1/2 ounces)
1 cup shredded cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons milk

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Prepare 2 quart dish with non-stick cooking spray.  Separate biscuits, cut into 8ths, set aside.  In large bowl, mix egg and milk.  Add biscuits and coat with egg mixture.  Fold in cheese and ham.  Pour into prepped dish.  Cook for 25-30 minutes or until biscuits are browned.  Spoon out to serve.

–Provided by Beverly Duncan-Midgett

Ham and Cheese Pull-Apart Biscuits

Click here to download a printable version.

--Provided by Beverly Duncan-Midgett

Sunday School and Childcare is Available!

WMU Missions Corner

The Hospitality Table After Worship Is Back!

Sign up here to provide goodies and beverages on Sunday mornings after worship.

When we are hospitable, our congregation can become a church on the sidewalk after worship while munching on a cookie or sipping fruit punch. Click here and find a Sunday to host our Hospitality Table! 

Send Us Your Prayer List Updates

fbcsylvapray@gmail.com 

Add this email address to your contacts list on your devices so that our staff and Pastoral Care Team can learn of your prayer requests as quickly as possible. And yes, you may still contact the church office directly at 828-586-2095 to share your prayer concerns, as well.

Flowers for Sanctuary

If you would like to provide flowers in the sanctuary for Sunday morning services, please contact Gwen Messer at  828-506-8370, or Janice in the church office to be placed on the calendar.

Odds and Ends

-This past Sunday morning, our sanctuary radiated the presence of the Kingdom of God. Instead of partaking in communion as individuals, receiving the bread and the cup, we came together around round-top tables where we could serve one another. And because we were all sharing at the table together, our intergenerational gatherings allowed us to see one another, hear one another, and serve one another. Thank you, First Baptist, for sharing communion in a new way!

- Above 5,000 feet on the Parkway, the fall colors are beginning to paint a breathtaking tapestry in the sky. We invite you to seize a moment this week or weekend, elevate your perspective, and let the mountain air rejuvenate your soul.

-Our second congregational meeting for our Dawnings discernment process is Wednesday, October 4th. At this gathering, we will come together around tables to share stories about our beloved church. Just as we opened our hearts in our initial meeting, we will now explore the church we cherish. Your presence is indispensable as we collectively contemplate two pivotal questions: Who is God calling us to become, and what divine purpose is God calling us to fulfill?

-Next week promises two extraordinary events within our church family. On Thursday morning, October 12th, we will host the kick-off and breakfast for Hands on Jackson.  This is the day when our community will assemble in our Mission and Fellowship Center before embarking on dozens of mission projects to serve our friends and neighbors. Then, on the following Sunday, we will celebrate Homecoming with an alumni choir, commemorating Dr. Holquist’s remarkable 40 years of dedicated service. Moreover, we eagerly anticipate a message from our former pastor, Rev. Ed Beddingfield, of Memorial Baptist Church in Buies Creek. And let’s not forget the unforgettable potluck feast that awaits us after the service. It’s time to dust off those blenders and preheat those ovens, ladies and gentlemen!

-Our book study on Phyllis Tickle’s book, The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why, resumes on Wednesday evening, October 11th. We’ll be discussing Part 2, which looks more closely at what it looks like to be a part of a tradition that continues to reform. Seriously, y’all. Come out and scratch your head with us. 

- The Atlanta Braves embark on their post-season journey this Saturday with a challenging five-game series against the winner of the Phillies-Marlins matchup. Having dominated the regular season, the Braves now face the daunting task of proving their mettle. I humbly request your prayers for patience, my nerves, and my attitude in the days (perhaps weeks!) to come, regardless of the outcome on the field. While it may sound like jest, my family, who watches the games with me, can attest to the seriousness of the situation.

-The First Baptist Church of Sylva has countless reasons to love and celebrate. We invite you to be present with us as we gather around the table to serve, listen, share, and embrace the joy of being church.

United Christian Ministries’ Annual Meeting Is Saturday, October 7

You are invited to United Christian Ministries' Annual Meeting on Saturday, October 7 at 10:00 a.m. at Sylva First United Methodist Church. This short 45-minute meeting is your opportunity to hear about the past year at UCM, to give us feedback, and to make suggestions for improvement. Our staff and board will provide an update on how UCM is helping "the least of these." Light refreshments will be served.

As a part of this annual meeting, we ask that you prayerfully consider choosing someone from your congregation or staff as a candidate for UCM's Board of Directors. You are invited to send your candidate to this meeting. Even if you do not have a candidate, please come to the meeting!

All of us at United Christian Ministries are truly grateful for your support. We could not do the important work of helping those in crisis without you.

Mission Moment 10.4.23

LeahBoling Chaplain
Director, Air National Guard Chaplain Corps, Maryland 

When people ask me about my journey to become a chaplain, I always think back to Lola Joaquina Pada, a cherished member of our church in Southern Philippines. Lola is a Filipino term for “grandmother.” While I was not related to her by blood, we called her Lola Pada out of respect and love. She also happened to be my parents’ Ninang (“godmother” in Filipino) at their wedding.  

As a young girl of about six-years-old, I used to play on our church playground across from the SBC-owned hospital. I often saw Lola Pada dressed modestly and neatly, carrying a Bible and going into the hospital. Curious, I asked my mother about her and learned that she was a volunteer chaplain who visited patients and their families, offering comfort, prayer and sometimes even singing with them. That was the first time I had heard the word “chaplain.”  

I was captivated by Lola Pada’s dedication and compassion and I would sometimes watch her minister to the patients and their families. Her example left a lasting impression on my heart, and I knew I wanted to follow in her footsteps, bringing comfort and compassion to those in need.  

I forgot about Lola Pada until I attended seminary and considered what type of ministry to pursue. I reflected on my childhood memories of Lola Pada and the impact she had on my life. I believe without her knowing, she planted a seed in my heart to follow a calling in chaplaincy.  

I sometimes wonder if Lola Pada had been a man, would I have shown the same level of interest and curiosity. I’m not sure. But I’m grateful I had the opportunity to witness her dedication and love for those she served. She empowered me to pursue my calling. She made it possible for me to be the chaplain I was meant to be. I hope I can be a positive example for other girls and women, just as Lola Pada was for me. I want to model what it means to be a woman of faith with a calling and a purpose. To all the “Lola Padas” in the world, thank you for your dedication and for inspiring others to follow in your footsteps. 

Pray. . .Give. . .Go.